….Gov raising false alarm, says PDP

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN—Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, weekend, alleged that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state had perfected plans to use a section of students of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, to foment trouble in the state and create chaos which may lead to loss of lives of innocent persons.

Reacting, Edo State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, denied the allegation, stressing that the governor was raising false alarm, adding: “This man (Oshiomhole) will never cease to amaze Edo citizens by turning logic on its head. It is unfortunate that a governor will use the auspicious moment of a state broadcast to dwell on accusations.

“All over the world, leaders use broadcasts to update their people on how they are using the mandate given to them and their development plans. Oshiomhole has desecrated the office of Edo State Governor by gathering Edo people to listen to his allegations.”

In a broadcast to the people of the state on Saturday, the governor alleged that the leadership of the PDP in the state held a meeting in the house of one of the candidates of the party, where they planned to recruit students and thugs to set ablaze petrol tankers in strategic parts of the state capital.

He urged parents to prevail on their children at the University of Benin and other tertiary institutions in the state not to be used by politicians.

He said that the state government was still open to dialogue with authorities of the University of Benin over the 18 property of the state reclaimed from the university.

He said: “They have held series of meetings including the one they held in the house of a candidate of the opposition party in the state. At that meeting, which was held with a section of the students’ union government, the students were induced to mobilise other students as they resume on January 17. The idea is that by Monday (today), they will mobilize enough students with funds provided by the leadership of the opposition party in this state to cause mayhem in Benin City.

“Part of the plan is that these students working and providing cover for party thugs will hijack petrol tankers, block roads with them and they anticipate, rightly, that the security agencies would resist them. They plan to set these tankers ablaze and in the process create confusion and in their estimation, this could easily lead to loss of lives. And of course, they believe, rightly, that once there is loss of lives the situation will escalate and they believe they could profit from such violence.”

Orbih, in his reaction, continued: “After conquering the judiciary and legislative arms of government, it appears Oshiomhole is now interested in the responsibilities of police and the secret services. The good thing is that Edo people know Oshiomhole’s history when it comes to raising false alarms.

“Edo PDP has nothing to do with the satanic allegations. Oshiomhole’s action was motivated by the victory he claimed was secured in a court. The process for execution of judgment is clear as court judgments are supposed to be carried out by court bailiffs.”